Department for Transport

Transport: Coronavirus

Sir John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to fast track construction on transport projects while fewer passengers are using the transport system as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.

Chris Heaton-Harris: The Department has actively sought to accelerate works on the road and rail network where possible while minimising the usual disruption this would cause to the travelling public. During lockdown and subsequent Covid-19 restrictions, the Department accelerated more than £190m of works across its roads and rail projects portfolio. A particular success has been the opening of the £1.5bn upgraded A14 ahead of schedule and within budget.

Public Transport: Coronavirus

Vicky Foxcroft: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what printed material his Department has produced to advise passengers that they must wear a face covering on public transport.

Chris Heaton-Harris: The Department for Transport has created over 300 public information resources related to Covid-19. Many incorporate the message that passengers must wear face coverings on public transport and at indoor transport hubs. There are a range of face covering materials, many of which include exemptions for age, health or disability reasons as well as consequences for those who are not exempt and do not comply. The department has not printed any of these materials itself, instead we have ensured that transport operators, local authorities and partners across England have had access to these resources allowing them to download, print and display these messages as appropriate. Our materials have been downloaded over 3,700 times and sent to over 250 stakeholders since face coverings became mandatory. We also shared the materials on the department’s social media channels and amplified supporting content from stakeholders. We have worked with Cabinet Office and secured 6,700 digital displays for face coverings at bus stops and rail stations in England.

Transport for London Financial Review

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the Government’s review of Transport for London’s operating model will include an assessment of the potential option of privatising (a) London Underground Passenger services and (b)  London Underground infrastructure.

Rachel Maclean: As agreed with the Mayor and Transport for London (TfL), Government is taking forward a broad ranging review of TfL’s future financial position and future financial structure, with the aim of identifying clear options for strengthening TfL’s future financial sustainability. This will include identification of opportunities to deliver further efficiencies in the short to medium term in relation to operating costs across TfL’s operations including London Underground. It will also include a review of the current TfL operating model.

Transport for London Financial Review

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the Government’s review of Transport for London (TfL) will include an examination of the operating model of (a) London Underground and (b) TfL’s subsidiary transport operations.

Rachel Maclean: As agreed with the Mayor and Transport for London (TfL), Government is taking forward a broad ranging review of TfL’s future financial position and future financial structure, with the aim of identifying clear options for strengthening TfL’s future financial sustainability. This will include identification of opportunities to deliver further efficiencies in the short to medium term in relation to operating costs across TfL’s operations including, London Underground. It will also include a review of the current TfL operating model.

Biofuels

Matt Vickers: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment his Department has made of the effect of the introduction of E10 on UK (a) carbon emissions and (b) air pollution.

Rachel Maclean: The document “Introducing E10 Petrol: consultation”, published by the Department in March 2020, notes that a switch to E10 could cut overall transport CO2 emissions by 750,000 tonnes per year, if it is combined with an increase to Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) targets. It also noted that we do not expect moving to E10 to deliver significant air quality benefits.

Biofuels: Public Consultation

Matt Vickers: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 2 May 2020 to Question 46196 on Biofuels, when his Department plans to publish its response to the Consultation on the Introduction of E10; and if he will publish that response before the House returns from recess in September 2020.

Rachel Maclean: The Department aims to publish the Government response to our consultation on the introduction of E10, which closed in May, as early as possible this year.

Electric Scooters: Accidents

Mr Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many people have died riding electric scooters in the UK in (a) 2019 and (b) 2020 to date; and what steps he is taking to reduce the number of deaths from that activity.

Rachel Maclean: The Department does not hold specific data on deaths involving electric scooters, as this information is not currently required from the police in the STATS19 data collection. The Department is running trials of e-scooters which will gather evidence of the impacts they have on the road, including their safety. Regulations to enable trials limit the speed and power of e-scooters and allow them to be used in cycle facilities. We have also set minimum standards for braking and lighting for trial e-scooters. The evidence gathered during trials will inform future policy to ensure e-scooters can be used safely.

Public Transport: Coronavirus

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the capacity for social distancing on the public transport network in Birmingham.

Chris Heaton-Harris: The Department regularly engages with West Midlands Combined Authority and managing social distancing on public transport is a matter for operators, working with the relevant Local Transport Authority as necessary.The Department has produced safer transport guidance for transport operators. We recommend that people should remain at 2m where possible, however recognising there are situations where this isn’t possible a 1 metre distance plus suitable mitigations. People are being asked to consider walking and cycling where possible, if using public transport people must wear a face covering (unless exempt), should wash their hands before and after travelling and try to avoid busy times and routes.

Driving Licences: Applications

Ruth Cadbury: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he has taken to increase the number of driving license renewal applications that are processed in a timely manner.

Rachel Maclean: The quickest and easiest way to renew a driving licence is to do so online. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)’s online services continued to work as normal throughout the pandemic and there are no delays for applications made in this way. While the DVLA has remained open throughout the pandemic, the 6,000 staff are based predominantly in one building in Swansea. This means the DVLA has had a greatly reduced number of staff on-site at any one time due to social distancing requirements in Wales and this has led to delays in dealing with paper applications as these have to be dealt with in person on site. The DVLA has implemented measures to increase the number of staff on-site so paper applications can be processed as quickly as possible, including reconfiguring its office space to safely accommodate more operational staff.

Department of Health and Social Care

Coronavirus: Vaccination

Charlotte Nichols: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans the Government plans for future covid-19 vaccinations to be free at the point of use.

Jo Churchill: We are working across the health and care sector to effectively deliver a successful vaccine as soon as one becomes available. This relies on several factors, including the number of doses received, vaccine characteristics, and the results of any clinical trials. However, anyone who is recommended to receive the vaccine will be able to do so for free on the National Health Service.

Social Services: Coronavirus

Mary Glindon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans the Government has for the safe re-starting of (a) respite care, (b) day centre and (c) other social care services that were stopped as a result of social distancing restrictions; what steps the Government has taken to communicate those plans to users of those social care services; and what guidance the Government is issuing to local authorities on the safe re-starting of those services.

Helen Whately: We recognise the crucial role that day services and respite care plays both for unpaid carers and the people who use these services.Decisions on the running and re-opening of day services are made on a local basis.We have worked with the Social Care Institute for Excellence to publish guidance to help make decisions on restarting services and to provide quality care safely. The guidance was is for commissioners, providers, families and unpaid carers to ensure effective planning in opening and delivery of care in day services and is available at the following link:https://www.scie.org.uk/care-providers/coronavirus-covid-19/day-care/safe-deliveryPublic Health England has also developed an illustrated guide for the use of personal protective equipment in community and social care settings, which is available at the following link:https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/905630/PHE_illustrative_PPE_guide_for_community_and_social_care_settings_17b.pdfLocal authorities and service providers should have maintained contact with carers and people who use their services throughout the lockdown. They will now be discussing arrangements to reintroduce care packages including where possible day care provision and respite breaks.

Coronavirus: Employment

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what processes are available to members of the public to report possible increases in covid-19 cases at a workplace.

Helen Whately: If an employee or client tests positive, either they or the employer should notify their local Public Health England Health Protection Team (PHE HPT) or their local authority public health or environmental health teams. In some cases, an employer may be advised directly by NHS Test and Trace or the local PHE HPT that the results of testing indicate that there might be an outbreak in their workplace.Action Cards have been developed for businesses and organisations to provide information, including contact details, in the event of a suspected outbreak in their setting.

Coronavirus: Contact Tracing

Zarah Sultana: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when the test and trace programme will be able to provide accurate information on the covid-19 R number at local authority level.

Helen Whately: The Government Office for Science and the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies currently and will continue to publish national and regional R rates on a regular basis. NHS Test and Trace are not planning to publish R rates at the local authority level. This is because estimates of R for geographies smaller than regional level are less reliable and it is more appropriate to identify local hotspots through, for example, monitoring rates of new cases and investigating outbreaks. The Joint Biosecurity Centre and Public Health England continue to closely monitor this local activity closely.

Care Homes: Coronavirus

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure that testing methods for covid-19 in care homes take account of the needs of people with dementia.

Helen Whately: To ensure the needs of certain individuals are taken into account in care home settings, detailed and clinically approved guidance has been produced for care home managers. We have also produced a tutorial video to guide staff through the swab collection process. Carers and nurses are required to complete online care home swabbing competency assessment before carrying out swabbing.

Coronavirus: Health Services

Alex Norris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when each stage of the Your Covid Recovery service will be made accessible; and if he will make statement.

Alex Norris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure that the Your Covid Recovery service is accessible to all those who need it.

Helen Whately: The new ‘Your COVID Recovery’ service, forms part of National Health Service plans to expand access to COVID-19 rehabilitation treatments for those who have survived the virus but still have problems with breathing, mental health problems or other complications.Phase one is already live at the following link:https://www.yourcovidrecovery.nhs.uk/Phase two, where people who need it will be able to access personalised support packages, is expected to launch later this summer.The online portal will help ensure that people get the support they need to recover from the effects of the virus. Where patients do not already have access to a suitable device to use the online platform, printed materials will be made depending upon demand to ensure the service is accessible to all.

NHS: Ethnic Groups

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what funding his Department has allocated to support Black and Minority Ethnic NHS workers at risk of contracting covid-19; and what assessment has he made of the adequacy of the level of that expenditure.

Helen Whately: Public safety is the Government’s top priority. The Chancellor has been clear that the National Health Service will get whatever funding it needs to respond to COVID-19. We do not, however, collect data on how much employers spend specifically to support black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) workers at risk of contracting COVID-19.Employers across the NHS have a duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of their staff in the workplace. In April, the Chief People Officer at NHS England and NHS Improvement launched a comprehensive programme to address the impact of COVID-19 on BAME staff in the NHS. As part of this work, NHS England and NHS Improvement wrote to all NHS organisations on 24 June requiring them to complete risk assessments for high risk staff.

Coronavirus: Neurology

Olivia Blake: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the findings reported in the July 2020 article entitled, The emerging spectrum of COVID-19 neurology: clinical, radiological and laboratory findings by Ross W Patterson et al, published in the neurological journal Brain, if he will instruct a review of the post-covid 19 infection care guidance that is provided for neurological symptoms to ensure that appropriate (a) referrals are made and (b) treatments are available.

Helen Whately: The Government, its departments and arm’s length bodies have published a number of comprehensive guidance documents throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This guidance includes information on the general healthcare needs of COVID-19 patients, as well as more specific guidance for areas such as respiratory, urology and neuromuscular problems. The documents are regularly reviewed, and information published by professional bodies and in professional journals is often taken into account when organisations develop their guidance.

Musculoskeletal Disorders: Coronavirus

Alex Norris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to promote musculoskeletal health during the covid-19 outbreak.

Helen Whately: Public Health England (PHE) is working with key partners including NHS England and NHS Improvement, the British Society of Rheumatology, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and other professional bodies and third sector parties such as Versus Arthritis and Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance to promote musculoskeletal (MSK) health during COVID-19. This has included the ‘We are Undefeatable campaign’ for people with long term health conditions and a partnership with the BBC to promote Couch to 5K. Further information can be accessed at the following links:https://weareundefeatable.co.uk/https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/couch-to-5k-week-by-weekIn May 2020, PHE hosted a webinar on the Impact of COVID-19 on Musculoskeletal Health and Mental Wellbeing, with participants attending from a range of organisations including local authorities, private businesses and academia.In April 2020, PHE re-issued advice on vitamin D supplementation as recommended by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition; whilst stay at home measures were in place it was recommended that everyone take a daily vitamin D supplement to keep bones and muscles healthy. This advice was not about preventing COVID-19 or mitigating its effects.The Every Mind Matters online resource provides some simple advice and support on physical and mental wellbeing for people who are working from home during the COVID-19 outbreak at the following link:https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/7-simple-tips-to-tackle-working-from-home/

Lipreading

Ms Harriet Harman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate he has made of the number of people reliant on lip reading as a key form of communication in (a) Camberwell and Peckham and (b) the UK.

Helen Whately: We have not estimated how many people are reliant on lip reading as a key form of communication in Camberwell and Peckham or in the United Kingdom.We know and recognise that lip reading is an important way for people with a hearing impairment in addition to people with other health conditions and disabilities to communicate with others.

Learning Disability: Hospitals

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent guidance he has issued to hospitals on reducing the number of deaths in their care of people with learning difficulties.

Helen Whately: NHS England and NHS Improvement have published guidance for healthcare providers in relation to the care of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.Clinical guidance to support frontline staff in their care of people with a learning disability is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/wp-content/uploads/sites/52/2020/03/C0031_Specialty-guide_LD-and-coronavirus-v1_-24-March.pdfGuidance in relation to infection control is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/secondary-care/infection-control/

Coronavirus

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 7 July 2020 to Question 63465, if he will make an assessment of the prevalence of patients experiencing covid-19 symptoms for longer than three weeks.

Helen Whately: The time to recovery for somebody with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 depends on the severity of illness and varies from relatively quickly through to extremely prolonged. Typically, time to recovery is within 10-14 days for mild and moderate cases. If a person feels unwell for longer than this, they should contact their general practitioner.Research into the long-term health symptoms and impacts of COVID-19 is ongoing and on 4 July, the Government announced a research study into the long-term health impacts of COVID-19, which is being led by UK Research and Innovation and the National Institute for Health Research. However, it is clear that for some of those who have survived, the virus and the treatment they have received to combat it will have a lasting impact on their health.

Coronavirus: Disease Control

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how long should a person infected with covid-19 feel unwell.

Helen Whately: The time to recovery for somebody with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 depends on the severity of illness and varies from instantaneous through to extremely prolonged. Typically, time to recovery is within 10-14 days for mild and moderate cases. If a person feels unwell for longer than this, they should contact their general practitioner.

Coronavirus

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate his Department has made of the number of people experiencing long-term effects of covid-19.

Helen Whately: Research into the long-term health symptoms and impacts of COVID-19 and the number of people likely to be experiencing them, is ongoing. However, it is clear that for some of those who have survived, the virus and the treatment they have received to combat it will have a lasting impact on their health.On 4 July the Government announced a research study into the long-term health impacts of COVID-19, which is being led by UK Research and Innovation and the National Institute for Health Research. The findings will support the development of new strategies for clinical and rehabilitation care, including personalised treatments based on the particular disease characteristics that a patient shows, to improve their long-term health.

Coronavirus

Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to his oral contribution of 14 July 2020, Official Report, col 1409, when he plans to discuss the long-term effect of covid-19 on people who have contracted the virus with the hon. Member for Sefton Central.

Helen Whately: The time to recovery depends on the severity of illness and varies from relatively quickly through to extremely prolonged. Typically, time to recovery is within 10-14 days for mild and moderate cases. If a person feels unwell for longer than this, they should contact their general practitioner.It is clear that for some of those who have survived, the virus and the treatment they have received to combat it will have a lasting impact on their health.Research into the long-term health symptoms and impacts of COVID-19 is ongoing. On 4 July the Government announced a research study into the long-term health impacts of COVID-19, which is being led by UK Research and Innovation and the National Institute for Health Research.

Coronavirus: Disease Control

Alex Norris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the effect of patients experiencing prolonged covid-19 symptoms on decisions to ease the covid-19 lockdown restrictions.

Helen Whately: Each amendment to lockdown regulations has represented a cautious step in easing restrictions, whilst continuing to limit the risk of transmission. At each review point of the Regulations, we have considered the necessity and proportionality of existing measures based on the most up to date evidence available at the time, including on rate of transmission, infection and death rate, and current intensive care unit capacity. Where restrictions are no longer considered proportionate or necessary at that point in time they have been eased or removed, however we remain ready to put the brakes on and increase lockdown measures either at a national or local level if necessary. The UK Research and Innovation-National Institute for Health Research Rapid Response Rolling Call has funded a large post-hospitalisation study. The study, announced in July, will establish a national consortium and a research platform embedded within clinical care to better understand and improve long-term outcomes for survivors following hospitalisation with COVID-19. It will also help to ensure future treatment can be tailored as much as possible to the person.

Coronavirus

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the long-term health impacts and support needs of people severely affected by covid-19.

Helen Whately: The time to recovery for somebody with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 depends on the severity of illness and varies from relatively quickly through to extremely prolonged. Typically, time to recovery is within 10-14 days for mild and moderate cases.It is clear that for some of those who have recovered from the initial virus, may experience lasting impacts on their health. On 4 July the Government announced a research study into the long-term health impacts of COVID-19, which is being led by UK Research and Innovation and the National Institute for Health Research.In addition, NHS England and NHS Improvement announced the launch of an online, on-demand, rehabilitation service called ‘My COVID Recovery’. The service forms part of National Health Service plans to expand access to COVID-19 rehabilitation treatments for those who have survived the virus but still have problems with breathing, mental health problems or other complications.

Coronavirus: Disease Control

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the effect of long-term physical symptoms experienced by some people with covid-19.

Helen Whately: Research into the long-term health symptoms and impacts of COVID-19 is ongoing and on 4 July, the Government announced a research study into the long-term health impacts of COVID-19, which is being led by UK Research and Innovation and the National Institute for Health Research. However, it is clear that for some of those who have survived, the virus and the treatment they have received to combat it will have a lasting impact on their health.

Coronavirus

Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the length of time symptoms of covid-19 persist in people who have contracted that virus.

Helen Whately: The time to recovery for somebody with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 depends on the severity of illness and varies from relatively quickly through to extremely prolonged. Typically, time to recovery is within 10-14 days for mild and moderate cases. If a person feels unwell for longer than this, they should contact their general practitioner.It is clear that for some of those who have survived, the virus and the treatment they have received to combat it will have a lasting impact on their health.Research into the long-term health symptoms and impacts of COVID-19 is ongoing. On 4 July the Government announced a research study into the long-term health impacts of COVID-19, which is being led by UK Research and Innovation and the National Institute for Health Research.On 5 July, NHS England and NHS Improvement announced the launch of an online, on-demand, rehabilitation service called ‘My COVID Recovery’. The service forms part of National Health Service plans to expand access to COVID-19 rehabilitation treatments for those who have survived the virus but still have problems with breathing, mental health problems or other complications.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Mahmoud Nawajaa

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he has taken to help secure the release by the Israeli authorities of Palestinian human rights defender, Mahmoud Nawajaa.

James Cleverly: Our Consulate General in Jerusalem have been monitoring Mr Nawajaa's case. Mr Nawajaa was released on 17 August without charge after 19 days of detention. We remain concerned about Israel's extensive use of administrative detention which, according to international law, should be used only when security makes this absolutely necessary rather than as routine practice, and as a preventive rather than a punitive measure. We continue to call on the Israeli authorities to comply with their obligations under international law and either charge or release detainees. We repeatedly call on Israel to abide by its obligations under international law and have a regular dialogue with Israel on legal issues relating to the occupation, including the treatment of Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons. Officials from the British Embassy in Tel Aviv raised the issue of treatment of Palestinian detainees on 18 June with both the Israeli Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We also remain concerned by the continued transfer of Palestinian detainees to prisons inside Israel in violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention. We continue to raise our concerns in our engagement with the Israeli authorities.

Mahmoud Nawajaa

Patrick Grady: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations he has made to his Israeli counterpart on the (a) arrest and (b) detention of the Palestinian political activist Mahmoud Nawajaa.

James Cleverly: Our Consulate General in Jerusalem have been monitoring Mr Nawajaa's case. Mr Nawajaa was released on 17 August without charge after 19 days of detention. We remain concerned about Israel's extensive use of administrative detention which, according to international law, should be used only when security makes this absolutely necessary rather than as routine practice, and as a preventive rather than a punitive measure. We continue to call on the Israeli authorities to comply with their obligations under international law and either charge or release detainees. We repeatedly call on Israel to abide by its obligations under international law and have a regular dialogue with Israel on legal issues relating to the occupation, including the treatment of Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons. Officials from the British Embassy in Tel Aviv raised the issue of treatment of Palestinian detainees on 18 June with both the Israeli Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We also remain concerned by the continued transfer of Palestinian detainees to prisons inside Israel in violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention. We continue to raise our concerns in our engagement with the Israeli authorities.

Government Departments: Overseas Aid

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he will have final sign-off of Official Development Assistance spending proposed by other Government departments.

James Cleverly: HM Treasury will set ODA budgets across government as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review taking place this year. The Integrated Review and Comprehensive Spending Reviews will conclude in the autumn - it would not be appropriate to pre-empt their conclusions.

Overseas Aid: Coronavirus

Sarah Champion: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will take steps to increase bilateral funding in response to the covid-19 pandemic for (a) primary health and (b) girls’ education programmes.

Wendy Morton: We have contributed up to £774 million of UK aid to the international effort to fight COVID-19. We are at the forefront of the global response to the pandemic.The UK is flexing our funding and programming to support health systems to manage the direct and indirect impacts of the pandemic. We are maintaining our focus on the global Covid response, poverty reduction for the bottom billion and girls' education, plus climate change and delivering environmental outcomes. This includes working with partners to ensure essential health services, including primary health care, continue despite the challenges of the ongoing pandemic. This is a key part of our pledge to end the preventable deaths of mothers, newborns and children.Education, particularly girls' education, will remain a top priority in the new FCDO. Through our bilateral programmes and as the largest contributor to both the Global Partnership for Education and Education Cannot Wait, we are proud to be a leading donor in support of basic education in developing countries. We recently announced £5.3 million of new UK aid to support the salaries of more than 5,500 teachers in the world's poorest refugee-hosting countries to deliver vital education and child protection services to over 300,000 children. Our Girls' Education Challenge programme is adapting to continue providing at least 1.3 million girls with essential education and support throughout the pandemic, for example through distance learning programmes and support for girls' wellbeing and safety.

Yachad

Dr Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he was consulted on the invitation from her Parliamentary Private Secretary to representatives of Yachad to a meeting on 21 July 2020.

James Cleverly: We understand that DFID's Parliamentary Private Secretary's engagement with this event was in a personal capacity, and that she was not representing DFID at this event.

Yachad

Dr Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he had with Cabinet colleagues on inviting hon. Members to the meeting between her Parliamentary Private Secretary and representatives of Yachad on 21 July 2020.

James Cleverly: We understand that DFID's Parliamentary Private Secretary's engagement with this event was in a personal capacity, and that she was not representing DFID at this event.

Ministry of Defence

Military Bases

John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which of his Department's bases in each branch of the armed forces in (a) England, (b) Wales, (c) Scotland and (d) Northern Ireland are used by over (i) 5,000 personnel (ii) 10,000 personnel (iii) 25,000 personnel each year.

Jeremy Quin: The information could be provided only at disproportionate cost as the number of personnel who use a particular base varies on a day to day basis and the information on these numbers is not held centrally.

Ministry of Defence: Contracts

John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, in which constituency each company with a prime contract with his Department is based; and how many employees each of those companies has.

John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, in which constituency each company with subcontract with his Department is based; and how many employees each of those companies has.

Jeremy Quin: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) regularly publishes information on regional expenditure with UK industry and supported employment on gov.uk. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/mod-regional-expenditure-with-uk-industry-and-supported-employment-201819 The MOD does not collate information at a constituency level, or details concerning subcontractors.

Home Office

Immigrants: Domestic Abuse

Jess Phillips: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to her Department's announcement entitled, Migrant victims of domestic abuse: review factsheet and the £1.5 million pilot to support migrant victims with no recourse to public funds, what plans her Department has in the event that demand exceeds the budget in that period.

Victoria Atkins: This Government is committed to doing what it can to support all migrant victims of domestic abuse as victims, first and foremost. We have listened to concerns raised by charities working with migrant victims and we want to improve the support such victims receive to help them recover from domestic abuse. From the evidence available, it was not clear how many migrant victims need help, who is most in need of support or how well existing arrangements may address their needs. The findings from the Support for Migrant Victims (SMV) Scheme, in which we are investing £1.5 million, will be used to inform future spending reviews and decisions about support for migrant victims of domestic abuse in the long-term.

Public Health: Domestic Violence

Jess Phillips: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the Home Office’s You Are Not Alone campaign, what plans her Department has for a long-term public health campaign to challenge public attitudes to domestic abuse.

Victoria Atkins: We are continuing our work to ensure that victims have the confidence to come forward and report their experience, safe in the knowledge that the justice system and other agencies will do everything they can both to protect and support them and their children and pursue their abuser. We know that victims of domestic abuse may feel particularly vulnerable at this time. We have published information for victims on gov.uk: www.gov.uk/domestic-abuse The Government launched the #YouAreNotAlone awareness raising campaign to signpost support available to victims of domestic abuse during lockdown, which has been translated into 16 languages and received around 250m impressions on social media. The Home Office also regularly posts content on its social media channels related to domestic abuse support, including signposting people to the gov.uk page and the DA Helpline as well as informing people about the forms domestic abuse can take. We intend to continue with the current campaign over the Summer, and are keeping options under review for future campaigns related to domestic abuse.

Treasury

Treasury: Staff

Neil O'Brien: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many members of staff in his Department have either equality, diversity or inclusion in their job title.

Kemi Badenoch: HM Treasury have three job titles that include equality, diversity or inclusion and currently there are 5 staff matching with one of the three Job Titles below:-Diversity and Inclusion ManagerDiversity Lead, ProjectsHead of Diversity and Inclusion

Treasury: Written Questions

Dr Matthew Offord: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he plans to publish Answers to Questions 77576, 77577 and 77578 published on 21 June 2020.

Kemi Badenoch: I replied to the hon. Member on 3 September 2020.

Public Houses: Coronavirus

Stuart Anderson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what financial support is available for self-employed publicans who are not eligible for (a) universal credit and (b) the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.

Kemi Badenoch: The Self-employment Income Support Scheme is just one element of a comprehensive package of support available for individuals and businesses that publicans can benefit from. This package includes Bounce Back loans, tax deferrals, rental support, mortgage holidays, and other business support grants. More information about the full range of business support measures is available at www.gov.uk/government/collections/financial-support-for-businesses-during-coronavirus-covid-19. As the Government now begins to re-open the economy, it is right that state support is reduced and the focus shifts to getting people back to work. On 8 July, the Government introduced the new Plan for Jobs which will make available up to £30 billion to assist in creating, supporting and protecting jobs. For example, it is supporting jobs through the Kickstart Scheme, protecting jobs by reducing the level of VAT for the hospitality and accommodation sector and creating jobs through £8.6 billion of infrastructure, decarbonisation and maintenance projects. This is alongside many other measures that will help support people and kickstart the economic recovery. More information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-plan-for-jobs-documents/a-plan-for-jobs-2020

Business: Government Assistance

Brendan O'Hara: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what criteria his Department uses to ensure (a) industries and (b) projects selected for funding from the Government's post-covid stimulus packages are aligned with the (i) UK’s net zero emissions target and (ii) UN’s sustainable development goals.

Kemi Badenoch: The Coronavirus is the biggest threat this country has faced in decades. We will assess the impacts of potential interventions against their contribution to our environmental goals, including our climate change and air quality targets. The Government continues to work towards achieving the long-term changes in our economy that are necessary to achieve net zero by 2050. The Treasury is conducting a review into how the transition over the next 30 years will be funded and where the costs will fall. This will include principles to guide decision-making.

Hydrogen: Investment

Daniel Zeichner: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to support private investment in the UK's hydrogen sector.

Kemi Badenoch: At Spring Budget 2020, the Chancellor announced a commitment of at least £800m for the deployment of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) in the 2020s. These assets will play an important role in the production of hydrogen made from fossil fuels, otherwise known as blue hydrogen as they share the same infrastructure. . Additionally, last year, the Government announced a £100m Low Carbon Hydrogen Production Fund to incentivise future private sector investment in low carbon hydrogen, whilst in July this year, the Government published a response to a consultation on CCS business models, including for low carbon hydrogen production. These measures will ensure that the UK economy is well-placed for future strategic decisions on the use of hydrogen, and that the private sector has sufficient confidence to provide investment.

Treasury: Training

Neil O'Brien: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many staff in his Department have undertaken unconscious bias training in each of the last five years.

Kemi Badenoch: The Treasury does not hold the data in the form requested and only retains records for staff completing unconscious bias training who still work at the organisation. These records do not capture either staff who attend unconscious bias training as part of their induction (which includes all staff below SCS who have joined the organisation since 2016, and SCS since 2018). The figures we hold will therefore be an underestimate – but they show the following attendance for staff who are still working in the organisation: Year20162017201820192020 (up to 5 August)TotalNumber of staff trained73277185453831071

Motor Vehicles: Excise Duties

Daniel Zeichner: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment he has made of the potential merits of moving from vehicle excise duty to road-user charging; and if he will make a statement.

Kemi Badenoch: Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) is a tax on vehicle ownership, which raises around £6 billion per annum. Revenue raised through English VED is being reinvested into the road network between 2020-2025 to fund road enhancement projects. Motorists pay fuel duty on the petrol or diesel they purchase so those who complete significant mileage currently pay more in fuel duty than those who drive fewer miles. All taxes remain under review – changes are considered by the Chancellor and announced at fiscal events.

Gift Aid

Janet Daby: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of increasing the effective tax rate at which Gift Aid is paid to 25 per cent.

Sir Edward Leigh: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of increasing the rate of Gift Aid under an enhanced Gift Aid scheme to help civil society sector recover from the covid-19 outbreak.

Kemi Badenoch: The Government is fully committed to supporting charities through the Gift Aid regime. This relief is tied to the basic rate of tax paid by donors, currently at 20%, so can only be changed if the personal basic tax rate changes. The Government recognises that the sector is experiencing significant pressures and has made available an unprecedented package of economic support, including a £750 million package specifically for charities.

Beer: Scotland

Owen Thompson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on the potential effect of changes to Small Breweries' Relief on small breweries in Scotland.

Kemi Badenoch: The Scottish Government has not sought at either Ministerial or official level to meet to discuss Small Brewers Relief with HM Treasury in the last year.

Beer: Excise Duties

Christian Wakeford: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the new taper is for the Small Brewers Relief.

Kemi Badenoch: The Government has not yet made decisions about the new taper for Small Brewers Relief. This will be subject to consultation later this Autumn.

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

Television Licences: Older People

Sir Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps the Government is taking to ensure that pensioners do not suffer (a) social isolation or (b) loneliness as a result of the withdrawal of free TV licences from the over 75s.

Mr John Whittingdale: The government recognises the importance of television to people of all ages, particularly for older people who value television as a source of entertainment, companionship and a way to stay connected with the world. We are urging the BBC to do more for older people affected by its decision to restrict the over 75 concession.It is also worth noting that my colleague Baroness Barron, the Minister for Loneliness, launched a National Awareness campaign for loneliness this summer, as part of the government loneliness strategy backed by £20 million of government funding.

Football: Abuse

Sir Edward Davey: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps his Department is taking to work with the football authorities to help tackle racist abuse of players (a) in person and (b) online; and if he will make a statement.

Nigel Huddleston: Racism or any form of discrimination has no place in football or society, whether in person or online.The Government continues to liaise closely with all the football authorities about their work to tackle discrimination. This includes actions targeted at and around football grounds, such as improving reporting systems, providing better training and support for referees and stewards, and improving the quality of CCTV around stadia.What is unacceptable offline is also unacceptable online. As set out in the Online Harms White Paper, we intend to establish in law a new duty of care on companies towards their users which will be overseen by an independent regulator. The ‘duty of care’ will ensure companies take risk-based and proportionate steps to keep their users safe from harms including harassment and abuse.The criminal law must be fit for purpose to deal with online harms. DCMS and the Ministry of Justice have engaged the Law Commission on a second phase of their review of abusive and offensive online communications. The Law Commission will review existing communications offences and make specific recommendations about options for reform, to ensure that criminal law provides consistent and effective protection against such behaviour. The Law Commission is also looking into the adequacy of protection offered by hate crime legislation, and this review is expected to report in 2021.We will continue to work with all the football authorities to tackle discrimination in the game.

Women and Equalities

LGBT Advisory Panel

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, how many times the LGBT Advisory Panel has met in the year from July 2019 to July 2020; whether she has fulfilled the requirement set out in the LGBT Advisory Panel’s terms of reference to meet the Chair of the Panel twice a year; and if she will publish the minutes of any Panel meetings that have taken place.

Kemi Badenoch: Between July 2019 and July 2020 the LGBT Advisory Panel has met three times: on 18 July 2019, 4 February 2020 and 1 June 2020. Former Minister for Equalities, Baroness Williams, attended the meeting in February 2020. Minister for Women and Equalities Rt Hon Liz Truss and I attended the meeting in June 2020.The minutes of the meeting held July 2019 are available on the GEO website and the minutes for the meeting held February 2020 will be published in due course. No minutes were taken for the meeting of June 2020 as this was an introductory meeting between the Panel and new Ministers.

Equal Pay: Gender

Tony Lloyd: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what steps the Government is taking to ensure that employers take steps to close the gender pay gap.

Kemi Badenoch: Large employers must report their gender pay gap data each year. Alongside this, we have published advice to help employers diagnose the causes of their gaps, and evidence-based guidance on practical actions they can take to close the gap. We have actively engaged with employers to ensure they have the information they need to close their gender pay gaps.In recognition of the unprecedented uncertainty and pressure facing employers, we suspended enforcement of gender pay gap reporting for the 2019-20 reporting year. However, as of 3rd September, 5,636 employers in-scope of the regulations have reported their gender pay gap data for 19/20. We continue to support employers if they wish to report, and encourage them to act to provide equal opportunities for men and women in the workplace.